Can Indian students stay in the UK for job hunting?

Yes, Indian students can stay in the UK for a job hunt after their graduation, thanks to the Graduate Visa (also known as the Post-Study Work Visa). This visa was introduced to allow international students, including Indian students, to remain in the UK for a period after completing their studies to look for employment or start a business.

Key Details of the Graduate Visa:

1. Eligibility:

o To be eligible for the Graduate Visa, you must have successfully completed a degree-level qualification (such as a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree) at a UK higher education provider that is recognized by the UK government.

o You must have held a valid Tier 4 student visa during your studies and be applying for the Graduate Visa within the first 12 months of completing your course.

2. Duration:

o If you have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you can stay in the UK for 2 years after completing your studies.

o If you have completed a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification, you can stay for 3 years.

3. Work Rights:

o You can work at any skill level during the 2 or 3 years, meaning you do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship during this time.

o You have the flexibility to work in any job, including part-time or full-time roles, and can explore opportunities across different sectors.

o If you secure a job that qualifies for a Skilled Worker Visa, you can transition from the Graduate Visa to the Skilled Worker Visa to extend your stay in the UK.

4. Application Process:

o You must apply for the Graduate Visa online once you have received your final results and have completed your degree. It is important to apply before your student visa expires.

o You do not need to have a job offer when applying for this visa.

o You will need to pay an application fee (around £700 for the visa) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your stay.

5. Cost:

o The application fee is £700 for the Graduate Visa.

o You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is about £624 per year for most visa holders.

6. Visa Extension:

o The Graduate Visa is not extendable. However, if you find a job that meets the criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa, you can transition to that visa, which allows you to stay longer and work in the UK.

7. Job Search and Opportunities:

o During the 2 or 3 years on the Graduate Visa, you are free to search for a job, attend interviews, network, and gain experience in the UK job market. This is an excellent opportunity to build your career in the UK.

Important Points to Consider:

• No Job Offer Required: You can apply for the Graduate Visa without having a job offer in hand.

• Work at Any Skill Level: During your stay, you can work in any job, including part-time and lower-skill jobs, as long as they don’t violate visa conditions.

• Transition to Skilled Worker Visa: If you find a qualified job, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK longer and eventually apply for permanent residency.

Conclusion:

Yes, Indian students can indeed stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after their studies to hunt for a job and gain work experience through the Graduate Visa. This provides an excellent opportunity to enter the UK job market and potentially transition into long-term employment in the UK if you secure a qualifying job.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, you can visit the official UK government website:

• Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) - UK Government